Over the last 26 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with product leaders, coaches, founders, public service teams and community builders across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Here’s what some of them shared about our work together on themes of:
- Leadership & Self-Leadership
- Team & Organisational Change
- Experiential Learning & Facilitation
- Community, Craft & Product Practice
Leadership & Self-Leadership
Abel Maningas – Product Development Manager – Innovations, Globe Telecom
“The most important thing I took from our work together was learning how to deal with myself better.”
The thing that stood out to me the most from my experience with Michael was his whole approach to leadership development – it was self-driven and output-based. I got to tailor the specifics of the program for myself and I got to build something which got me to apply the lessons right away. This approach helped me build a great sense of ownership for the work which was one of the biggest reasons it was successful for me.
I learned a lot of tools and frameworks for leading others, but the most important thing that I took from our work together was learning how to deal with myself better. Because of this, I felt empowered. It gave better self-confidence and more trust in myself which really helped me deal with big challenges in life and in my work.
Right after the program, I immediately noticed that I was more mentally resilient and more open to other people, which were the biggest challenges I had before we started our work.
Thanks Michael for your time and guidance!
Adhitya Nugraha – Digital Portfolio Dept. Head, Sinarmas Land
“My understanding of leadership shifted from controlling to appreciating people and system dynamics.”
My journey through the 6-month Product Thinking Lab that Michael led was not just a program; it was a deeply meaningful and transformative experience that radically shifted my perspective on leadership.
Michael masterfully cultivated an exceptionally safe and expansive space where we, as new product leaders, could courageously explore crucial, complex topics – from sustainability to stakeholder management and trust building. His approach was truly distinctive: he didn’t simply lecture; instead, he acted as a brilliant facilitator, guiding us to solve our own real-world challenges by deepening our inner wisdom and leveraging the power of peer collaboration.
This hands-on experience has fundamentally changed my understanding of leadership from a controlling force to a holistic appreciation of people and system dynamics, building an enduring confidence that goes far beyond material knowledge.
Aubrey Jimenez – Senior Project Manager, Pru Life UK
“The sessions shifted me from rigid, overly detailed planning to a more flexible and adaptive mindset.”
Being introduced to agile ways of working / agile as a mindset has significantly impacted both my personal life and my approach to work. Our sessions provided clarity on my desired future state, a deeper understanding of my current position, and a stronger connection to the values that guide my leadership and interactions with others.
I also experienced a meaningful shift—from rigid, overly detailed planning to a more flexible and adaptive mindset. The sessions have made me a more intentional listener, reinforced my collaborative inclination, and inspired me to encourage ownership by focusing on the value we create rather than directing through instruction.
Clement Ng – Lead Business Portfolio & Transformation Analyst, Johnson & Johnson
“We weren’t just receiving information – we were experiencing it, applying it, and refining our own craft.”
Participating in Product Tonic Lab – Cohort 2, guided by Michael’s leadership and coaching, was transformative from the very first session. What truly stood out was the way he structured the program. Instead of a conventional “teacher–student” format, Michael designed a framework that brought us into the journey. We weren’t just receiving information – we were experiencing it, applying it, and refining our own craft along the way.
Throughout the sessions, I learned practical techniques that helped me collaborate with people from different backgrounds. Many of us started as strangers across diverse roles and industries, yet through Michael’s facilitation, we were able to connect, work cohesively, and achieve meaningful outcomes. The 4C’s framework, in particular, became an anchor point for our conversations and decision-making.
Another aspect I deeply appreciated was Michael’s commitment to the cohort. He made himself available both to teams and individuals whenever we faced challenges or needed support in understanding and applying new concepts. The soft skills and mindset shifts we gained were not tied to a single domain; they can be used in any project, role, or team environment. I’ve already applied them across different aspects of my work with strong results.
Michael’s openness in sharing his methods along with the thoughtfulness and preparation behind them truly set this experience apart. It remains one of the best development programs I’ve participated in. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to elevate their leadership development, collaboration, and overall effectiveness regardless of their field – from individuals to teams.
Dominic Ong – Head of Product, Zenyum
“He helped me understand that my actions, energy and emotional state have a real impact on my team.”
I completed a 6-month leadership program with Michael, and it’s been one of the most transformative experiences in my career. He helped me understand that my actions, energy, and emotional state have a real impact on my team, and that leading well starts with leading myself.
What I appreciated most was that his coaching never felt like a classroom. Michael created a space where I could experience the concepts firsthand, practice them safely, and then bring them back into my day-to-day work with clarity and confidence. His approach made the learning truly stick.
Through our sessions, I became more intentional, more grounded, and more confident in growing and supporting my team. I now have a clearer vision of how to build a culture of learning and growth, and I’m already seeing the impact in how my team operates.
I’m grateful for the time we spent together. Michael is an exceptional coach, and I highly recommend him to anyone looking to elevate their leadership and bring out the best in their teams.
Irsyad Ramthan – Product Lead, AgriG8
“I would strongly recommend him for all roles and projects where leadership development is involved.”
I had the opportunity to be part of the 2nd cohort of Product Tonic Lab (PTL), led by Michael. I appreciated that Michael’s philosophy of curating the cohort was to balance self-direction, heavy interaction with a group and the whole cohort, while also making time to consult him.
On a concrete level, PTL imbued the hard skills of facilitating through the 4Cs and providing structure to roles required for a session where the intent is to learn as a group (which is crucial in the product line of work). On a more intangible level, working with the different folks in the cohort as well as Michael and the co-facilitators gave me a better sense of how to better communicate during the course of my own full-time work. I also appreciated the freedom for different teams to deep dive into specific subjects of our own interest when it came time to create learning sessions for others in the cohort.
It is a huge privilege to have had the chance to cross paths with Michael, and I would strongly recommend him for all roles and projects where leadership development is involved, as he really is extremely adept at every dimension – from the hard skills, to frameworks, to 1-1s and 1-many interactions. I’ve seen few others who can deliver what Michael can.
Joceyln Ke – UX Consultant, A Better Consultancy
“Michael modeled leadership so clearly that I found myself stepping up — not because of a title, but because I finally understood what it meant.”
I had the privilege of being mentored by Michael under Product Tonic Lab, and received additional coaching after the program ended. I signed up thinking I’d get schooled in product management, but instead, I learned way more valuable lessons in leadership, self-awareness, values, and life.
Throughout my working life, I’ve had mentors. Michael stands out with a rare quality: the ability to be present, resulting in an intentional coaching and mentoring relationship wholly focused on the other person. I’ve seen him facilitate groups of people from all walks of life with grace and humility, embodying what he teaches.
Before I met Michael, leadership was something I never gave much thought to. But when it was modeled for me through his actions and decisions, it inspired me to rethink how I approach my career and life. I look back and realize it was then that I stepped up to take more responsibility, because you don’t need a title or label to start leading yourself or others.
Thank you for the guidance you have so generously given to me and others.
Lin Chou, CHENG – Senior UX Specialist, Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
“I learned to see myself as a constantly iterating product — growing through self-leadership, reflection and real metrics.”
I strongly recommend Michael as a coach and mentor. Participating in Cohort 1 of the Product Tonic Lab (PTL) was truly transformative for me. Michael’s program brilliantly integrates leadership development with product thinking. I gained tools to view myself as a constantly iterating product, complete with metrics to measure tangible growth and impact.
The PTL experience was a powerful journey of self-discovery: I defined my strengths and learned to lead from within through effective self-management. Michael’s community building also significantly expanded my professional network. He excels at balancing outcomes with people, creating a safe space where real learning genuinely happens.
For any product leader seeking frameworks that redefine their approach to career and life by prioritizing self-leadership, Michael is an exceptional guide.
Mulyadi Oey – Founder & Director, Product Narrative
“He showed me that it’s possible to care deeply about both results and people, without sacrificing either.”
What’s always struck me about working with Michael is how he manages to care deeply about both results and people, without sacrificing either. He takes goals and metrics seriously, but never lets them overshadow the humans behind the work.
Watching him coach and facilitate, I saw this quiet balancing act play out again and again: driving toward outcomes while strengthening relationships at the same time. Seeing him do this showed me it’s actually possible. Not just in theory, but in practice. It’s positively impacted how I approach my own professional service.
Sakina Binte Sakdun – Assistant Lead Analyst, D&IS–Digital Xperience & Engagement, Synapxe
“I started off anxious and overwhelmed. I left with essential skills, self-confidence and absolute clarity on how to lead.”
Working with Michael Ong has been a transformative experience. I started off anxious and overwhelmed, being the only data analyst in my team. After going through a 6-month-long Product Thinking workshop and coaching sessions facilitated by him, it has equipped me with essential skills, self-confidence, and absolute clarity on how to lead.
What makes this different from other workshops is that learning through play is what makes it fun and impactful. Highly recommend!
Team & Organisational Change
Andy Muir – Senior Manager, Digital & Integration Services, Synapxe
“His thoughtful use of reflection helped our team internalise new concepts and grow together.”
I had the privilege of working with Michael on a 6-month Product Thinking programme, and his approach was truly transformative. Michael has a unique coaching style that actively involves the team, encouraging us to take ownership of our own learning journey.
His extensive experience in Product Management and deep knowledge in Agile methodologies are evident in every session, and his genuine passion for coaching brings out the best in everyone. Michael’s thoughtful use of reflection helped our team learn new concepts and internalise them to grow together. His supportive guidance and commitment to our development made a lasting impact that extended well beyond the programme itself.
Ashley Uy – Product Manager, Plentina
“I learned to navigate people, motivations and systems — making impact not just through product skills, but through empathy and intentional leadership.”
My goal when I started working with Michael was to not only better understand my work, but to also know how to articulate myself in a way that was useful to stakeholders and my peers. This meant not only having an intentional learning practice for technical skills, but also having an avenue to regularly exercise empathy. In knowing how organizations work, how sources of motivation differ across different stakeholders, and how to balance these dynamics to make impactful things matter, I felt my learning journey with Michael was/is very fruitful and a highlight in not only my professional life but my personal life as well!
Jasmine Yeo – Senior Manager, Product, Synapxe
“The sessions helped the team shape new perspectives and created a more collaborative atmosphere at the workplace.”
Michael conducted the sessions in a very open manner which was able to surface issues that people face, as it was conducted in a way that made people feel safe to share how they really felt. The team could also chip in to encourage and note each other’s struggles and challenges.
The sessions helped the team to shape new perspectives about the challenges around their daily work, which created a more collaborative atmosphere at the workplace.
Josila Hasbullah – Assistant Director, Innovation & People Experience, Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad
“He doesn’t just provide answers – he equips people with the tools to think critically and lead effectively.”
I had the privilege of working with Michael during our leadership development and Pru Train a Coach (PTAC) sessions, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding coach and mentor. What stood out most was his ability to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully, and guide with logical, constructive reasoning that always moved the conversation forward.
Michael is highly responsive and responsible, ensuring that every engagement is productive and meaningful. He creates a safe space for dialogue, welcomes suggestions openly, and adapts his approach to meet the needs of the team. His facilitation style is clear, structured, and yet flexible enough to encourage genuine growth and confidence.
Through his coaching, I experienced tangible shifts in perspective and leadership practice. He helped me and my colleagues strengthen our decision-making, align better as a team, and build confidence in tackling complex challenges. Michael’s impact is lasting because he doesn’t just provide answers—he equips people with the tools to think critically and lead effectively.
I wholeheartedly recommend Michael to anyone seeking a coach who combines professionalism, empathy, and practical wisdom. He is a true partner in leadership development and someone who consistently brings out the best in others.
Michael Su – Head of Department, Synapxe
“You can’t just show up and wing it – his high standards helped the team understand what it takes to be at the top of the game.”
I was introduced to Michael Ong through a trusted work acquaintance and commissioned him to level up product thinking and capabilities for our capability leads who are managing national consumer HealthTech products.
Michael’s no-nonsense communication style, learn-from-the-back-of-the-classroom approach, and ability to adapt and pivot the learning sessions on the spot based on the differing knowledge maturity and on-the-spot feedback from the participants were immensely useful to nudge the team towards practical learning outcomes.
The high standards demanded throughout the product coaching programme also helped the individuals understand what it takes to be at the top of the game (you can’t just show up and wing it) and to recognise their own strengths and weaknesses.
Nga Nguyen – Senior Manager, Prudential Vietnam Assurance
“The more I embark on the change journey, the deeper I feel about the sharing you did during the classes.”
…the knowledge and personal insights you passed to me during the agile sessions were amazing and valuable, even up till now. The more I embark on the change journey, the deeper I feel about the sharing you did during the classes… I will definitely mention your name if someone asks about my agile sensei.
Tze Chin Tang – Senior Agile Coach, SWIFT
“He constantly adapts to his client’s needs and environment to deliver meaningful value. A true product thinker.”
Michael’s approach to developing competence is both unique and effective. I have been both student and client of Michael’s, learning from him and using him to develop my team’s competencies in cultivating product thinking and competence.
Product Management is not just a framework or a process – it requires an ability to see and work within uncertainty, not just to weather it, but to spot and develop opportunities. After all, if it’s easy to do, everyone would be doing it.
I would highly recommend Michael, as he has deep theoretical and practical experience, high standards of delivery and is constantly looking for how he can adapt to his client’s needs and environment to deliver meaningful value. A true product thinker.
Experiential Learning & Facilitation
Albert Hardy – Designer, NEC Laboratories Singapore (NLS)
“What first felt like chaos often turned into insight because of the preparation and structure behind his facilitation.”
I attended Mic’s Product Management and Coaching sessions, and what stood out was his intentional way of guiding the room. What first felt like chaos often turned into insight because of the preparation and structure behind his facilitation.
He created space for authentic conversation where learning emerges meaningfully. Our group practice helped build confidence to engage with the unknowns and see uncertainty as a space for new possibilities. I left with a deeper appreciation of the human system behind product management, where collaboration and alignment drive the outcome.
Ignasius Tirta – Head of Learning, Product Narrative
“It expanded my understanding of what learning can look like over a prolonged period of time.”
I had the chance to work with Michael in 2021 when I joined Product Tonic Lab (PTL), an 8-month learning program for Product people across Asia. It was the first cohort-based program of this scale that I’d ever joined, and it set a new benchmark for me.
What impressed me most was how intentionally and coherently the entire experience was designed. From the way the program opened, to how the learning was scaffolded in the middle, to the close of the cohort, everything had a clear structure and purpose. I could feel the thought he put into every phase.
I also want to acknowledge Michael’s facilitation. I’m impressed with the range he has: he can still deliver the materials and ensure the content lands, while simultaneously creating space for the people in the room. He knows when to guide, when to step back, and how to make participants feel both challenged and supported.
Overall, my time working with Michael expanded my understanding of what learning can look like. It showed me a new way to design, sustain, and nurture learning across a prolonged period of time. The experience was genuinely eye-opening, and much of that is thanks to how Michael built and led it.
Sander Veraar – Vice President of Product Management, Presales, Delivery, StarHub
“He maintains a fine balance between ensuring the content lands while making participants feel both challenged and supported.”
Michael’s expertise lies in his ability to design and execute highly intentional and coherent learning experiences.
His facilitation is masterful. He maintains a fine balance between ensuring the coaching content lands while using his range to make participants feel both challenged and supported.
I witnessed Michael’s mastery during a large session where participants were not engaging. He skillfully used pointed questions to prompt introspection, unifying the group and refocusing everyone on their shared purpose.
Michael’s forward thinking and skill, combined with his focus on practical, actionable steps, make him an exceptionally effective and engaging coach.
Seri Tasripin – Director, Affinity Group Pte Ltd
“He beautifully weaves together an experiential learning programme that enables peer-to-peer learning, coaching and mentoring.”
In early 2021, Michael approached me with his vision for Product Tonic Lab (PTL), a 6-month community learning space to empower product leadership in Southeast Asia. He invited me to join the Mentor Circle to support the programme and participants, and I happily said YES!
Michael’s commitment to nurturing the community he leads goes beyond standard training. He genuinely cares about bringing together future leaders by inviting them to invest in their growth and capacity to lead effectively in a constantly changing environment. He builds awareness on skills they need to acquire or build to support their professional development through his thoughtful pre-programme engagement with the participants.
PTL was the result of Michael’s thoughtful and intentional commitment since 2013, through organising retreats, unconferences, and countless meetups. He beautifully weaves together an experiential learning programme that enables participants to engage in hands-on learning based on relevant topics and peer-to-peer learning, coaching, and mentoring. Throughout the journey, every learner is encouraged to reflect on themselves and their smaller group mentoring circle with their respective mentors. The programme fosters ownership, adaptability, empathy, and leadership in participants from start to finish.
Michael’s ability to integrate different fields of knowledge and practice sets him apart as a coach and facilitator. He brings breadth and depth, and what I appreciate most about Michael is his humility, ease, and commitment to bring out the best in others.
Community, Craft & Product Practice
Julia Colette C. Ocamp – Product Manager, GInvest / GCash
“What’s stayed with me most is seeing Michael live his values, not just talk about them.”
Michael’s leadership at Product Tonic Lab genuinely shifted how I think about collaboration and reminded me that purpose-driven work does exist for us PMs. Through the community he’s brought together, I met mission-driven Product Managers across Southeast Asia and experienced facilitation styles that made learning feel engaging and human.
Some of the concepts Michael introduced sound simple, but they’ve meaningfully shaped how I work. Starting collaboration through invitation has changed how I show up in teams and build partnerships, and consistently coming back to purpose has become my north star for decision-making. Even the playful tools—like Cowtopia—gave me new mental models for understanding team dynamics in product development.
What’s stayed with me most is seeing Michael live his values, not just talk about them. That kind of integrity makes the work feel grounded and real. His influence continues to help me show up as a more intentional and purpose-driven teammate.
Hafiz Kasman — Co-Founder & COO, Kinobi AI
“Michael curated a learning community where everyone brought their best selves — and the learning flowed from every direction.”
The learnings from Product Tonic Lab (PTL) were multi-fold, thanks entirely to Michael and his team. So skillful was their ability to curate this learning community that the impact spanned everyone: from the facilitators to the attendees themselves. Michael fostered an environment where everyone brought their best self to each session, ensuring that we learned just as much from one another as we did from the program.
Nuno Jonet – Chief Product Officer, FinLync
“He goes beyond tactics to cultivate growth in individuals and teams.”
Michael Ong is an exceptional agile and UX design coach whose holistic approach sets him apart in the product world. As a guest coach at Product Tonic Lab and fellow participant at ProductCamp, Product Tonic, and Product Beer unconferences, I’ve witnessed firsthand how he goes beyond tactics to cultivate growth in individuals and teams.
With a rare knack for drawing out the best in people—honoring their strengths while navigating limits—Michael fosters clarity, connection, and real transformation. Highly recommended for anyone elevating their product leadership.
Michael Ong 